U.S. High School and College StudentsEssay Contests – Scholarship Awards

Essay deadline: Before April 15, 2015

Who can participate? Students enrolled at U.S. high schools and colleges, including exchange students, are invited to enter the seventh annual essay contest.Why participate? It is global education at its best. Participating in the essay contest broadens perspectives as you learn about the Middle East and Islamic culture through the legacy of Emir Abdelkader (1808-1883). His powerful and non-threatening example of Islamic leadership in compassion and highest moral values counters stereotypes. Connecting continents and cultures across centuries inspires learning about cultural literacy, civility, tolerance, and understanding.

Sign up today to explore models of ethical leadership, moral courage and humanitarian conduct. Essays are due before April 15, 2015.

Essay Scholarship Awards

Iowa High School students (1st Place = $1,000; 2nd Place = $500)U.S. High School students (1st Place = $1,000; 2nd Place = $500)U.S. College students (1st Place = $1,500; 2nd Place = $1,000)

Why is Emir Abdelkader important today? His life story encourages building bridges of cultural understanding. Respected from Missouri to Moscow to Mecca, Abdelkader was an Arab Muslim hero from Algeria and known as a courageous humanitarian, scholar, statesman, and warrior. He was admired by President Lincoln, Queen Victoria, Pope Pius IX and countless Muslims and non-Muslims from many nationalities, religions, and social classes. In 1846, an Iowa settlement was named “Elkader”; in 1860, he saved thousands of Christians in Damascus; and upon his death in 1883, The New York Times eulogized, “The nobility of his character won him the admiration of the world… He was one of the few great men of the century.” Emir Abdelkader is remembered as an esteemed humanitarian, ethical military leader, and religious scholar. His relevance for our global society today transcends culture and faith traditions.

Essay Contest Guidelines and Procedures

1) Attention Educators:High School students must identify a mentor in order to participate in the essay contest. Please review Become a Mentor and sign-up to mentor one student, a classroom or more. Learn more at Educational Resources.2) Attention Students:Sign-up now to participate in the essay contest. High School students must identify an educator as their mentor. Essays are due any time before April 15, 2015.3) Read “Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abdelkader (1808-1883)” by John W. Kiser and other resources. Learn more about Emir Abdelkader at www.truejihad.com.4) Write a 1200-1500 word essay addressing all of the following points:

Why does Emir Abdelkader’s life story and legacy deserve remembering today?

What is relevant for our global society? What is relevant to your own life?

Reflect on Abdelkader’s education as compared to your own.

5) Essay must be Microsoft Word or PDF, double spaced, Times New Roman/12 pt., first/last names on each page.6) Click on “Submit Essay” link below. A confirmation notice will be sent upon receiving the essay.7) Essay Deadline: anytime before April 15, 20158) Questions? Please contact abdelkaderproject@gmail.com.